PLANTATION, Fla - Due to the forecasted impacts of Tropical Storm Isaac beginning Sunday in the Florida Keys through mid-week in the Panhandle, Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order 12-199, to declare a statewide state of emergency.

The Executive Order designates Florida Division of Emergency Management Director, Bryan W. Koon as the State Coordinating Officer. The State Emergency Operations Center is now operating at a Level One, full activation.

An Executive Order is a standard process that is issued prior to land fall to provide adequate time for cities and counties to begin preparing for potential storm impact. The Executive Order directs all state agencies, including the Florida National Guard, to provide any necessary assistance when requested by local governments. The State Emergency Response Team stands ready to support requests for assistance from local officials.

"While Florida is facing another tropical storm, our State Emergency Response Team prepares for these types of weather events year round. The Executive Order is a normal step in these preparations, activating resources to assist local officials in response to an emergency. Florida's emergency response officials are accustom to protecting the 19 million residents and hundreds of thousands of visitors that are here every day," said Scott.

"I am leading twice daily briefing with local, state, federal partners as well as those involved with the Republican National Convention. Preparation is a key to success and all visitors can be assured they are safe in Florida."

The governor said Florida's emergency responders are ready. and it's important that Florida's residents and visitors stay informed, have a plan and make preparations.

Governor Scott said shortly before noon that the Tampa International Airport remains open for business. Travelers should check with their airline before changing any travel plans to Florida.

The governor said there is no need to cancel hotel reservations at this time due to Tropical Storm Isaac. He added Florida is the number one tourism destination in the country and is accustomed to handling weather events as related to visitors.

The governor's next scheduled briefing is at 6 p.m., which we will also stream live on firstcoastnews.com and on WTLV-NBC 12.